GFP Commission to Meet in Gettysburg

 

PIERRE, S.D.—The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission is going on the road in November, conducting its next meeting near Gettysburg. The commission is scheduled to meet from noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1, and from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday, Nov. 2, at the dining room of Bob’s Steakhouse at Bob’s Resort, 17 miles west of Gettysburg.

 

A variety of fishing-related proposals are up for finalization at the meeting, many of which represent attempts to clean up old language or bring administrative rules into compliance with state laws. A public hearing on the items up for finalization is planned for 2 p.m. Thursday. A meeting agenda and the proposals that are up for public comment can be accessed at the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department Web site at http://www.sdgfp.info/Commission/Meetings.htm.

 

Citizens who wish to provide written comments to the commission prior to the hearing can do so up until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31. Comments should be mailed to Game, Fish and Parks Commission, 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD 57501 or e-mailed to wildinfo@state.sd.us. All comments must include the sender’s full name and address in order to become part of the official record. Comments may also be presented in person at the public hearing in Gettysburg.

 

Also on the agenda are proposals for setting the spring turkey and spring light goose hunting seasons, a presentation about the findings of a survey about wildlife on private lands and an update on bowhunter education.

 

Citizens who wish to address the commission about items that are not on the agenda will have the opportunity to do so.

 

--GFP--

 

Adams Homestead Hosts Holiday Celebration

 

Visitors to Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve are invited to take a step back in time as they get into the holiday spirit during the annual Christmas at the Homestead celebration on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 12 to 4 p.m.

 

This free, family event allows participants to tour the Stavenger Church, Shay/Adams House and Lamont Country School all decorated for the Christmas season.  Adams Homestead volunteers will be showing off their talents in each of the homestead buildings. Visitors will get to hear Christmas carols in the church, roast nuts and popcorn over a campfire, enjoy refreshments in the Visitor Center and make crafts in the school.

 

Area organizations will also be displaying their talents during the Christmas wreath contest. Visitors will be able to vote for their favorite wreath, which will be displayed in the community room. 

 

For more information, please call Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve at (605) 232-0873. Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve is located 1 mile west and ½ mile south of Interstate 29, Exit 4.

 

-GFP-

 

State Park Campsite Photos Now Online

 

PIERRE, S.D. – Just in time for the opening of 2008 reservations, South Dakota state park campsite photos can now be viewed online. Photos of all campsites that can be reserved are available by going to the State Park Web site, www.SDparks.info, and clicking on the “Campsite Photos” link.

 

“These photos will allow campers planning a vacation to see campsites before they make a reservation. Each campsite photo lists the length and width of the site as well as if the site has shade and electricity,” said Elizabeth Ruen, public information officer. “In addition, this new Web page is also a one-stop shop for campground, walking, trail and disc golf course maps.”

 

Beginning Nov. 1, lodge and group reservation can be made for 2008 arrivals. Lodge reservations can be made for all of 2008. Reservations for group campsites open Nov. 1 and will be taken until Feb. 1, 2008, and can be made for arrival dates between May 16 and Sept. 1, 2008. After that time, campsites are available on an individual basis within 90 days of arrival. Reservations for the Custer State Park group areas are accepted throughout the reservation season and do not close Feb. 1. For additional information on lodge and group reservations, visit www.SDparks.info.

 

The first day to make individual campsite reservations for the 2008 reservation season is Feb. 16. Campsites are reservable within 90 days of arrival for arrivals between May 16 and Sept. 1, 2008, and until Oct. 6 for parks accepting autumn reservations.

 

Lodge reservations can be made online at www.CampSD.com or by calling 1-800-710-CAMP (2267). Group camping reservations are only available through the call center. The call center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (CT) through December. From January to September, the hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Camping cabins can be reserved year-round within 90 days of arrival online or through the call center.

 

To view campsite photos online or for more information on lodge and group reservations, visit the Division of Parks and Recreation Web site at www.SDparks.info.

 

-GFP-

 

Over 3,300 Attend Halloween Hikes in S.D. State Parks

 

PIERRE, SD - Over 3,300 people spent their weekend attending Halloween hikes held in South Dakota state parks. The annual hikes are held at Custer State Park, LaFramboise Island Nature Area and Big Sioux Recreation Area.

 

 "We’re thrilled that so many people spent this past weekend attending the hikes,” said Lynn Spomer, program specialist with the Division of Parks and Recreation. “These annual hikes are fun, heart-healthy activities for families to do together. They also let participants experience the sights and sounds of the parks at night, while gathering goodies and educational information.”

 

The 10th Annual Halloween Night Hike at Custer drew over 900 people during the two-night event, Big Sioux hosted approximately 1,000 people and over 1,400 people hiked the Trick or Treat Trails Hike at LaFramboise Island in Pierre. Activities at the three hikes included educational skits, scavenger hunts, making s’mores, enjoying hot apple cider and plenty of educational goodies and candy. Many local businesses and agencies served as sponsors for the events.

 

These hikes were part of the Walk in the Park program, a series of guided, educational hikes held throughout the year in South Dakota state parks, recreation areas and nature areas. Parks staff and volunteers lead the walks, which are co-sponsored by the S.D. Department of Health.

 

Dates for next year’s Halloween hikes will be set soon and can be found on the state parks Web site. Special events are held at the S.D. state parks year-round. For more information on the state parks or to see a calendar of upcoming events, visit www.SDparks.info or call (605) 773-3391.

 

-GFP-